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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG |
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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG interior |
You would hope that all AMG models are turbocharged because most models like the S63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, and the E63 AMG. However, this one is not and unlike non-turbo AMG models like the C63 AMG and the SLS AMG, it doesn't carry the 63 moniker. It retains the "55" moniker even though this new SLK AMG is based on the R172 SLK Roadster. This new
SLK55 AMG from Mercedes-Benz's sport division, AMG, wasn't made to be more powerful than the rest. Why?
Under the hood, the new SLK55 AMG is powered by an all new M152 5.5L V8 direct injection engine. This all new engine provides 422PS of power output and 540Nm of torque, allowing the new SLK55 AMG reaching 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and flatout in 250kph. That new model may have been faster than the normal SLK but in my points of interests, this SLK55 AMG would have become the weakest of the AMG bloodline.
Despite being the weakest of the AMG range because of its engine, the new SLK55 AMG comes with an all new, and I'm not joking, variable cylinder management you commonly noticed it from the Honda Inspire. This variable cylinder management allows the M152 engine to run on four cylinders, providing maximum fuel efficiency and less emissions than the rest. This new feature made the new SLK55 AMG the most fuel efficient in the AMG lineup, Overall, it has CO2 emissions of 195g/km, making it the lowest of the AMG range. This new cylinder management is done if the driver has switched the transmission mode to Controlled Efficiency.
The new SLK55 AMG comes ready with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission that comes with the manual mode to take full advantage of its paddle shifting technology, providing the free will to shift the way you move.
For enhanced fairness in cornering, the new SLK55 AMG won't be done without an available AMG Handling Package engineered for the track racing in mind. Thanks to its AMG Performance suspension, AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel, you should say that this package should be enough if you're tackling against the tight corners of the Nurburgring.
The new SLK55 AMG is available in 11 exterior colors such as Diamantweiss, Indiumgrau, Tenoritgrau, Cavansitblau, Schwarz, Perlbeige, Palladiumsilber, Obsidianschwarz, Iridiumsilber, Glenitsilber, and Feueropal.
My Comment:
Remaining the 55 moniker for this hardcore version of the SLK-Class is too rubbish because I thought the Mercedes-AMG division is supposed to be an all-turbo lineup but no. Last year, we just hoped that the facelifted C63 AMG range will use the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine but no, they still stick with the old 6.2L Natural Aspiration V8 engine. This SLK55 AMG used the 5.5L V8 engine but stripped out its twin-turbo aspiration and switched with some kind of variable cylinder management that allows this new model to run on four cylinders. RUBBISH! I DON'T WANT THIS!
Photo: Daimler AG